The Broken Spoke Saloon - World's Biggest Biker Bar!

"We at the Broken Spoke Saloon thank you,
riders of the world, for making us one of
the most famous saloons on the planet."

"There is no 'R' in motorcycle," say Sturgis entrepreneurs Jay Allen and Claudia Collins, describing the proper spelling of the Indian's trademark of yesteryear. And they should know. Jay and Claudia own the huge three-bar-and-one-restaurant combo, the Broken Spoke Saloon.

At the world famous South Dakota motorcycle Mecca, it can be described as a "Museum that serves beer." And for good reason: instead of the standard "frontier" decor, the place boasts a mind-boggling collection of motorcycle memorabilia, including the several dozen vintage machines up to 78 years old, almost all in running condition.

The Broken Spoke is not the only bar in Sturgis catering to motorcycle enthusiasts, of course, but is by far the biggest such permanent establishment, with room for 4,500 people. Surprisingly, though, it's the only one with total emphasis on the time-honored sport: Allen describes its competitors as "just places to go and drink."

"We believe not just in Sturgis and the rally," he continues, "but in the whole concept of motorcycling, the feel of it, the history. We're totally dedicated. But it's not something easily put into words."

That's true according to an assortment of illustrious visitors, from Easy Rider magazine's chief photographer to CW artist Crystal Gale to Harley-Davidson's own Willie G., who, like thousands of ordinary folks, came away shaking their heads in amazement.

They have good cause. If words are lacking, atmosphere isn't. One feels transported back to the 1930s or 40s, half expecting an Indian rider to holler "Hardly made it!" when a guy with Harley wings on his hat walks in; or to overhear several bikers arguing the merits of the Henderson 4 verses the "Squariel," Brittain's Square Four Ariel.

The last brings up a sometimes sensitive subject: Is this "Harley-Only" country? "Hell, no," responds Allen. "Everybody comes here, everybody's welcome, and everybody enjoys themselves." "Welcome" is the Key Word: A row of signs proclaims it in nearly a dozen languages, and the worldwide spectrum of bikes parked in front is matched by the multinational collection arranged around the walls of the Broken Spoke.

Rally time is fun time in midsummer, with contests ranging from European stein-holding and Big Belly contests to tattoo artistry and even popsicle licking. Various bike shows are held almost every day of the rally. Prizes and souvenirs "are all top-quality with cloisonné or real gold or silver decoration, not junk," says Allen.

Folks crowd the Broken Spoke not just for a cold beer or the activities: they get married (call ahead, please), escape the summer heat in the big open room with ceiling misters, or just kick back and watch the crowd. Service at the Broken Spoke is second to none. The employees each behave as if they are hosts of the finest party in town. Warm welcomes are what everyone receives when they walk through the doors of this well beloved saloon.

Dehydration in hot summer can be a problem, so free pitchers of ice water are everywhere. On the other hand, patrons who've had one too many are offered rides back to camp, while their bikes are kept safely in the bar. Entertainment includes dancing to several bands a day, with no cover. Artists range from old favorites like Black Oak Arkansas to promising newcomers like Ryan Rolando.

After all this, you might think the Broken Spoke is a "biker bar," "Not so," says Allen: "We have a cross section from Hell's Angels to little old ladies, and they all love it. They'll buy T-shirts or other mementos when they leave, and most will be back next year." If you love bikes, you'll love the spoke.

Memories are perhaps the Broken Spoke's biggest feature, not just in memorabilia, but in the wall-spanning Biker Heaven Memorial which reverently lists the names of departed rider friends as gone, but not forgotten. And from this serious note to the joyous recollections in thousands of letters from past visitors, it's certain that a stop at the Broken Spoke is something no one ever forgets!